Augusta man gets 6 years in partner's death

Augusta man gets 6 years in prison in connection with domestic partner's stabbing death

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — An Augusta man has been sentenced to six years in prison in the stabbing death of his domestic partner, even though he maintains his innocence.

Michael Young entered his plea to a manslaughter charge Thursday under the Alford doctrine, meaning he acknowledges there is enough evidence for a conviction.

The 41-year-old Young was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with six suspended.

Young was charged with stabbing David Cox in June 2011 in their home. He denied stabbing Cox, saying he was in bed when he heard a bang. He says he found Cox in the kitchen slumped over a bicycle with a knife in his chest.

The medical examiner determined the wound did not appear accidental.

The Kennebec Journal (http://bit.ly/125Foq6 ) reports that the deal had the approval of Cox's family.